Finally, the NRL is back.
I love watching rugby league, it is a shared experience that brings people together, and it gives me something to talk about with people in social situations when I don’t know what else to say.
“How ‘bout those Tigers?”
And if the off season taught me anything, it is that a lot of times, I wished the football was already back on.
I don’t like talking to people about politics, gender issues, religion, gossip, reality television and television generally. The last three bore me and the first three are complex – and most people aren’t.
Read books, find experts to listen to, find your own path for the first three – what your co-worker remembers thinking while watching the television and flicking through the paper on the weekend is probably ignorance best avoided.
To put it another way, I’d rather hear Shirley talk about her beloved Dragons than her views on One Nation.
So it is so good to have to have the footy back to talk about. And there is a lot to be talked about, if you choose to. The best bit is it’s all nonsense and it doesn’t matter, and no matter what, it’ll be awesome to watch.
It’s only week one, but I have already heard a wide range of opinions:
“I’d hate to be a Parramatta supporter this year, and I am one.”
“The Knights are lost already, it won’t take much to sink them completely.”
“I know too much about Manly, apart from the players names I mean, and as a Souths follower, I shouldn’t know anything. Know what I mean?”
“The Bulldogs forward pack need to talk less and play better.”
“If the Broncos don’t win the competition this year, they won’t for five more.”
“We all know the NRL is rigged, and in 2019, on the 30th anniversary of the 1989 grand final, the Raiders and Tigers will meet again.”
“If Robbie Farah works out for the Rabbitohs, they will win the competition, if he just stands around they will struggle.”
“Whatever it takes to win the competition, St George doesn’t have it, even with Illawarra helping.”
“Nothing but a bunch of meathead misogynists bashing into each other if you ask me.”
And I didn’t ask. Any of them. I just asked about the Tigers.
But whatever happens, it’s good to have the footy back to talk about.
Up the Wahs
Roar Guru
Well the last five years the NRL has started on the first week/weekend of march, so it's not particularly early this year, the AFL play less rounds.
Up the Wahs
Roar Guru
I could cop that
matt
Guest
why is the nrl season starting so early this year? doesnt it usually start the same time as the AFL?
Jay Sullivan
Roar Pro
What if the Warriors get to win in 2018 as a compromise?
Jay Sullivan
Roar Pro
I did not know that, leave it with me...
Jay Sullivan
Roar Pro
Me too, I don't start betting before Round 4, but keen to see how all the new combinations work out.
Jay Sullivan
Roar Pro
Thanks Riley, I've got my pies in the oven and am ready...
Up the Wahs
Roar Guru
“We all know the NRL is rigged, and in 2019, on the 30th anniversary of the 1989 grand final, the Raiders and Tigers will meet again.”- with the exception of the Warriors, I wouldn't be against this.
kk
Roar Pro
Jay, Did you know that Sydney has more rain upon it than Dublin has each and every month of the year. Is there any way you can make an Irish joke from those facts? Like your thinking. Vikings to plunder in 2017.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Thanks for the pep-talk before kick-off Jay. All this talk and very little action has been driving me crazy!
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
An enjoyable read Jay, I'm very excited for this round of footy. 8 matches which could go either way. Bring on the footy!